Enabling Environment

Incorporating Mathematics into your learning environment Mathematics is a specific area of development in the Early Years Foundation Stage, yet many settings find it difficult to incorporate it into everyday learning environments. Here are some 7 easy ways to make sure you are encouraging mathematical development through play. Role … [Read more...] about 7 simple ways to add mathematics to your environment

10 examples of how you can make sand play inviting Instead of just emptying the bag of sand into your sand tray think about what else you could use sand for. Being creative in how you use sand will widen children's learning opportunities. Think outside the box as to what you can use it for. Most children enjoy playing with sand; they will … [Read more...] about 10 great ways in making sand play engaging

10 simple ways to encourage open-ended play Encouraging open-ended play can open up so many learning opportunities for children. It allows children to use their imagination and take themselves on a journey. Open-ended resources don't have to be plastic toys or ones that make noises they can be simple resources such as cardboard boxes or a bowl … [Read more...] about Encouraging open ended play

Have you ever heard of in the moment EYFS planning? This is very simple to understand it is all about capturing the children's current interests at that particular time. There is no need to plan in advance as this form of planning is based on what the child is doing and practitioners need to interact with the child to build on what the child … [Read more...] about What is in the moment EYFS planning?

What are your views on early years settings offering children real tools for risky play? The idea of risky play is a much debated topic within the early years. Whilst some people feel it is dangerous for young children to access tools such as hammers and saws, more and more nurseries are promoting risky play. Nurseries across the country are … [Read more...] about Increase in nurseries providing ‘real tools’ for risky play

Creating an Easter egg hunt activity using a tuff spot Using a #tuffspot for various activities enables children to group around the tray, allowing children to freely explore the activity. Depending on the age of the children will determine whether the best place for the tray is on the floor or if a tuff spot stand is used. There are many … [Read more...] about Easter egg hunt activity

How to extend an EYFS activity to create further learning opportunities Being creative and using your imagination to help extend activities can provide children with further learning opportunities. As some children absorb and internalize information in different ways it is important to provide children with the opportunities to allow them to … [Read more...] about Extending children’s EYFS activity

Top tips on making a children's transition smooth Starting nursery can be a difficult time for children who have English as an Additional Language. Early Years settings should try to make this transition as smooth as possible for both the child and their family, yet how can this be achieved? Here are a few pointers to help make that smooth … [Read more...] about Supporting transition for children with English as an Additional Language

There are endless ways to use a Tuff spot, here are some fun ideas to extend the children’s sensory experience. Tuff spots are a great way for all children to explore a range of activities and materials at a low level.  Babies and preschool aged children can explore resources in the tray by lying or sitting on the floor to access the tray. Check … [Read more...] about 10 Great ways to use a Tuff Spot